An R version with a displacement of less than 1000 cc - which revs higher and is intended more for track use - is currently at the advanced development stage. This will provide the foundation for the homologated version that competes in the Superbike championship, where this engine will be used starting in 2019 (one year on from the launch of the respective road version, as per the Ducati tradition).

I will be waiting for the R. When you weigh it up, the Speciale is just an S with nice paint, a couple other touches like the seat and the exhaust system....... you don't even get the wheels unless you pony up.

The R will have differences that you can't just get off of the shelf or DP parts catalogue. It's where my money will be going